Opvee (nalmefene) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for emergency treatment of opioid overdose in adults and some children. Opvee comes as a nasal spray that’s given for an opioid overdose.
Opvee is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults and children ages 12 years and older as an emergency treatment for overdose. It may be given when an overdose is known or thought to be caused by opioid drugs.
Opvee belongs to a drug class called opioid blockers. Opvee is not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Opvee, including its strength and how to use the medication. For a comprehensive look at Opvee, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Opvee provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When using Opvee, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Read below for the recommended dosage of Opvee and other details about the drug.
Opvee form
Opvee comes as a single-dose nasal spray unit. Each carton of Opvee contains 2 single-dose nasal spray units.
Opvee strength
Opvee comes in one strength of 2.7 milligrams (mg) of nalmefene in 0.1 milliliters (mL) of solution.
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for opioid overdose
Doctors may prescribe Opvee as an emergency treatment for opioid overdose. Opvee’s dosage is one spray into one nostril once. For more details, see “How to give Opvee” below.
Children’s dosage
Opvee is approved as an emergency treatment for opioid overdose in children ages 12 years and older. Opvee’s dosage is also one spray into one nostril once. For more details, see “How to give Opvee” below.
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage or how to use Opvee.
Long-term treatment
Opvee is used as an emergency treatment for opioid overdose. It’s not taken on a regular basis.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how to use Opvee.
If your doctor prescribes Opvee for you, let those around you know how to administer a dose of Opvee to you in an emergency.
Opvee’s dosage is one spray into one nostril one time. After a person gives you a dose of Opvee, they will call 911. Then, they’ll turn you on your side and see if you wake up. If you don’t wake up within 2–5 minutes, they’ll give you another dose of Opvee from a new nasal spray unit in your other nostril.
If you do not wake up within 2–5 minutes after the second dose of Opvee, they’ll give you another dose from a new nasal spray unit, if one is available. They’ll continue to give you available doses of Opvee every 2–5 minutes if needed. They should stay with you until emergency help arrives.
If you have questions about how Opvee is given, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There are also step-by-step instructions on the manufacturer’s website.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Opvee.
Is the dosage of Opvee similar to the dosage of Narcan?
Yes, the forms and how often you give each drug are similar. Opvee and Narcan (naloxone) are both nasal sprays that are given as emergency treatments for opioid overdose.
The dosage in milligrams for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Opvee to start working?
Opvee starts to work right away to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. If needed, additional doses of Opvee may be given while waiting for emergency help to arrive.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about what to expect with Opvee.
What is the recommended maximum dosage of Opvee?
There isn’t a known maximum dosage of Opvee. In the event of an opioid overdose, doses of Opvee may be given every 2–5 minutes, if needed, while waiting for emergency help to arrive.
If you have questions or concerns about the dosage of Opvee, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Opvee for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Opvee without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Opvee that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Opvee. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Opvee: For information about other aspects of Opvee, refer to this article.
- Side effects: To learn about side effects of Opvee, see the Opvee prescribing information.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.